In our professional lives, December marks not only the end of the year but also a time for reflection on the goals we set for the year. Missed or achieved, we consider how we gave back to our communities and to our profession. For some, volunteer service is a significant part of goal setting and a measuring stick used to determine whether we have contributed to improvements in some aspects of the legal profession, such as the public’s access to justice or diversity and inclusion in the profession.
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As lawyers, many of us routinely navigate disputes between parties. To do this, we have to know our client’s position, certainly, but often it is equally as important to understand the vantage point of our opponent.
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What is your goal, and how can I help? You will hear me ask this frequently as your new CLA President. You will also observe me encouraging members to get more involved in leadership with CLA.
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The California Lawyers Association (CLA) Bar Leaders Conference and separately the Annual Meeting and CLA & California Judges Association (CJA) Presidents Gala (CLA & CJA Presidents Gala) at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in America’s Finest City, San Diego, California, were a resounding success. The educational sessions were well received and attended. The keynotes were fantastic. The swearing-in ceremony was memorable. The excitement reached a fever pitch for the Second Annual CLA & CJA Presidents Gala.
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What a journey it has been! Over 100,000 miles traveled since the start of my California Lawyers Association Presidency in September 2021. It was a dream turned into reality. Dreams are but realities yet to happen, if only we just believe. What started with a swearing-in ceremony with the Chief Justice of California on our screens ended soon after at a Gala in tuxes and dresses. Something impossible but for Providence, time, hard work, and wonderful people.
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What do Anthony Bourdain and my summer have in common? Everything. This summer, I took a trip of a lifetime. The one where you realize that Anthony was right when he said that “the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.”
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In the legal profession and with societal norms, people are often restricted by rules, regulations, and responsibilities. Attorneys, as officers of the court, must follow the law and lead by example, particularly with our families, clients, the profession, the community, and ourselves. Attorneys must be standard bearers for good.
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Remember when you were a child? You had passions and dreams. Just because you have a career does not mean you have to give up on those exciting endeavors. Set goals and combine your career with those aspirations. Your career is best when it reflects your passions and dreams.
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Attorneys, more than any one group of professionals or section of the American workforce, understand that it is not always the best argument, legal standard, or fact that wins out. In life, this principle of “best does not always win” applies as well. Often, it is not the smartest, most attractive, or even the most prepared person who wins. It is the person who is most consistent and stays the course. It is also the one most willing to be responsive to a change in circumstance or circumstances in general.
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Mark Twain said, "The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and when you discover the reason why."
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